Nepal earthquake: US troops and aircraft reach Kathmandu as death toll rises

Two US Osprey aircraft come in for a landing at Kathmandu's international airport as part of a new phase by the US government in helping the distribution of aid to remote parts of the Himalayan nationGetty Images

US troops and emergency aircraft have arrived in Nepal to provide assistance to the victims of an earthquake that killed more than 7,000 people on 25 April.

Four Osprey helicopters, cargo planes, trucks and some 100 marines reached the south Asian country as reports warned aid is struggling to reach some areas, such as the Gorkha district, where it is estimated that up to 75% of houses were destroyed by the magnitude 7.8 quake.

Following the earthquake, Nepal closed down its international airports to big aircraft carrying aids amid security reasons, citing runaway deterioration.

Speaking about the US assistance, Marine Lt. Col. Edward Powers told the Los Angeles Times: "Our aircraft are ideal for this situation."

Meanwhile, the UN warned 28 million people have been affected by the quake and diseases might spread among displaced people in remote areas, who do not have access to basic services.

The agency added some $8m (£5.2m) are urgently needed to help farmers recover the agricultural losses and also urged Nepal to relax its custom controls as it delays aid deliveries in the country.

It is estimated the cost of reconstruction in Nepal could surpass $5bn.